binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ How to pronounce binding (audio)
1
: the action of one that binds
2
: a material or device used to bind: such as
a
: the cover and materials that hold a book together
b
: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges
c
: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 2

adjective

1
: that binds
2
: imposing an obligation
bindingly adverb
bindingness noun

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun a carpet edged with canvas binding The bindings have started to come loose. Adjective The contract is legally binding. The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Mike Fallon and his brother, Jim Fallon Jr., work each day in the basement of their father's 85-year-old store, giving new life to bibles, adding custom bindings to photo books and repairing books from all around the country. Otto Rabe, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025 That means seamless compatibility with both tech and alpine hybrid bindings, something La Sportiva hasn’t offered until now. The Editors, Outside Online, 25 July 2025
Adjective
The advisory opinion was non-binding. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Their proposal would have made the board's decisions non-binding recommendations instead of directives that officers must follow under threat of disciplinary action. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for binding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binding was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binding. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

binding

noun
bind·​ing
ˈbīn-diŋ
1
: the cover and fastenings of a book
2
: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective
1
: imposing a legal obligation
the agreement is binding on the parties
2
: requiring submission to a specified authority
the suppression order was binding on the Department of TransportationNational Law Journal

More from Merriam-Webster on binding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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